The ANS acts as an intervening variable that influences our behavior and our physiological reactions to perceived threats in our bodies (pain or illness), as well as in our environment (cues of safety danger).

Central to Polyvagal Theory is the role that the autonomic nervous system plays as an intervening variable influencing mammalian behavioral and physiological reactions to challenges both in the body (e.g., illness and distress) and in the environment (e.g., cues of threat and safety). (View Highlight)